Dramatic video shows hurricane hunters being tossed around due to turbulence while flying into Milton

FLORIDA: As Hurricane Milton intensifies, a team of fearless hurricane hunters is risking it all to gather critical data in the storm's eye.

On Monday, October 7, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released jaw-dropping footage of their harrowing flight into the heart of the hurricane aboard the WP-3D Orion, affectionately known as "Miss Piggy", as they "flew straight into Hurricane #Milton!” 

Terrifying video shows plane flying through Hurricane Milton

The dramatic video captures the crew being tossed around in their seats as they confront extreme turbulence. “These flights collect critical data that helps improve forecasts and support hurricane research,” read the caption accompanying the video.

In the footage, five crew members are strapped tightly in their seats, battling turbulence as they ride through the storm. Despite being securely fastened, the shaking is intense, and some crew members use their own cell phones to record the violent movement as equipment rattles and shifts around them.

A second video, posted on Tuesday, October 8, showed even more chaos, with crew members struggling to maintain their composure as the aircraft endured severe turbulence. The situation grew more dangerous as equipment slammed against the walls and the plane shuddered violently.

“It has dropped 50 millibars in 10 hours,” one team member said emotionally, his voice cracking. “I apologize — this is just horrific.” 

Authorities urge immediate evacuations as Hurricane Milton approaches

Hurricane Milton was surging through the Gulf of Mexico as a formidable Category 5 storm on early Wednesday, October 9, heading toward Florida's central west coast. As mass evacuations caused highways to become congested, residents braced for what could be a historic impact. The storm is expected to make landfall either Wednesday night or early Thursday.

"If you’re going to get out, get out now," Florida Governor Ron DeSantis urged, warning residents that the window for safe evacuation was quickly closing.

“You have time, today. Time will be running out very shortly if you wait any longer,” he said, reported NBC. Reports of fuel shortages and long lines at gas stations only added to the urgency, though DeSantis assured the public that fuel was still being dispatched to the state.

“We have been dispatching fuel over the past 24 hours as gas stations have run out,” DeSantis said at a press conference. “There is no fuel shortage. Fuel continues to arrive to the state of Florida. But lines at gas stations have been long and gas stations are running out quicker than they otherwise would.”

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor also issued a stark warning, "I can say without any dramatization whatsoever: If you choose to stay in one of those evacuation areas, you’re going to die," she told CNN, citing the storm surges predicted to reach heights of up to 12 feet, making them "not survivable."

Even President Joe Biden weighed in, calling for immediate action. "Evacuate now," he urged, stressing the importance of acting before it was too late. “I directed this team to do everything you can to save lives and our communities, help our community before, during, and after these extreme weather events,” he stated, per The New York Times.

Social media users praise hurricane hunters as 'heroes'

As footage of the hurricane hunters bravely flying into Hurricane Milton captured public attention, social media users expressed their admiration and awe for the "heroes".

"I am no longer nervous about commercial turbulence," an X user tweeted.

"I'm turning a kryptonite shade of Kermit just thinking about your ride in Miss Piggy right now. Thank you for what you do, and be safe!" said another .

"I wonder who the first person was that said out loud “We should fly a plane directly into the hurricane!” wrote one person.

"Heroes," simply tweeted another.

"Those guys have courage, I would have to drink a bottle of vodka, every hour, to do that," claimed one individual.

"True heroes flying into hurricane Milton to provide data. Amazing what they can do in such difficult conditions," stated another user.

"HELL no. One of my worst fears is turbulence.. I honestly thought the data collection would be done by drones. Amazing job and neat to see this. Eye opening and much respect to the crew that put their life on the line enduring this," read a tweet.

"There is not enough money in the world to get me on one of those missions," penned one person.

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